The World Taikai is held every four years and, as the name implies, is a gathering for members from across the world. Represented were members from every country from Finland to New Zealand including our very own Canada.

Men's Dan Embu

The first day of the Taikai (Aug 24) consisted of preliminary rounds along with a Judges Meeting.

The evening of Aug 24 was the Taikai Eve Reception - a lavish event held at the Hotel New Otani Osaka. During the Reception the US, Spanish and Canadian Federations received Distinguished Service Awards from WSKO President Yuuki So.

The US, Canadian and Spanish Federations received Distinguished Service Awards at Taikai Eve Festival

Reunion of the Hiate sensei deshi group!

The main part of the Taikai was held on Sunday Aug 25 and included Embu competition from Kyu to Dan ranks as well as a Dantai (group) Embu event. More photos of the Taikai and the results by category can be found here.

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of the event was the epic closing performance by members of the Osaka Shorinji Kempo Federation (hosts of the event). Their performance was an interpretation of the theme "chaos to harmony" by using embu on a massive Kurosawa-esque scale.

Another wonderful part of the Taikai was getting to see former Toronto members Asuka Tomari and Takashi Kariya (and family) once again. Asuka was competing in the Dan Level Men and Women's Embu category. You can see her embu below.